The US Embassy has unveiled a package of changes to visa
operations at its consular section, which it says will make the application
process for Jamaicans easier.
For several months applicants have expressed concern about the difficulty in securing appointment dates for non-immigrant visas.
US Ambassador Brenda La-Grange Johnson on Thursday said come next week, Jamaicans will experience an enhanced service from the Consular Section through its association with two new partners.
The Embassy has established a desk inside the Consulate for its new courier service provider DHL, so customers can schedule delivery of their passports.
The enhanced services however come at a cost.
DHL's passport delivery service will cost $US8.50 cents.
Only one fee will be charged per family of up to five persons.
It will cost $US13.00 to speak with a representative at a call centre to be operated by the Consulate's US based partner Computer Sciences Corporation.
Each caller will have eight minutes to glean information and schedule appointments through the operators.
Those who opt to use a self serve web-site option will have to pay 10-US dollars which will give them unlimited access to information until the appointment date.
The fees can be paid at any of NCB's 47 branches across the island or via credit card.
Consul General Edward Wehrli said the new system will guarantee that applicants get a date for interview and will also allow cancellations and changes up till two business day before a scheduled appointment.
Mr. Wehrli also stated that the change from Paymaster to NCB as the sole collections agency for visa fees will be a seamless one and that persons who have already paid fees will not experience any difficulties.
For several months applicants have expressed concern about the difficulty in securing appointment dates for non-immigrant visas.
US Ambassador Brenda La-Grange Johnson on Thursday said come next week, Jamaicans will experience an enhanced service from the Consular Section through its association with two new partners.
The Embassy has established a desk inside the Consulate for its new courier service provider DHL, so customers can schedule delivery of their passports.
The enhanced services however come at a cost.
DHL's passport delivery service will cost $US8.50 cents.
Only one fee will be charged per family of up to five persons.
It will cost $US13.00 to speak with a representative at a call centre to be operated by the Consulate's US based partner Computer Sciences Corporation.
Each caller will have eight minutes to glean information and schedule appointments through the operators.
Those who opt to use a self serve web-site option will have to pay 10-US dollars which will give them unlimited access to information until the appointment date.
The fees can be paid at any of NCB's 47 branches across the island or via credit card.
Consul General Edward Wehrli said the new system will guarantee that applicants get a date for interview and will also allow cancellations and changes up till two business day before a scheduled appointment.
Mr. Wehrli also stated that the change from Paymaster to NCB as the sole collections agency for visa fees will be a seamless one and that persons who have already paid fees will not experience any difficulties.
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